Not just a loan word or two
Many Aboriginal languages have been borrowed by main-stream Australia.
The word “kangaroo” was one of the first borrowings used by James Cook in 1770
when the ‘Endeavour’ was forced to stop for repairs in Cooktown, northern Queensland.
Other words borrowed into English are: bilby, billabong, boomerang, coolabah, dingo,
Kookaburra, koala, mulga, waratah, witchetty and yabby.
Also, well known place names: Parramatta, Woolloomooloo, Mooloolaba, Bondi, Coogee.
All of them frequently used. It is a great language, we should borrow more.
Many Aboriginal languages have been borrowed by main-stream Australia.
The word “kangaroo” was one of the first borrowings used by James Cook in 1770
when the ‘Endeavour’ was forced to stop for repairs in Cooktown, northern Queensland.
Other words borrowed into English are: bilby, billabong, boomerang, coolabah, dingo,
Kookaburra, koala, mulga, waratah, witchetty and yabby.
Also, well known place names: Parramatta, Woolloomooloo, Mooloolaba, Bondi, Coogee.
All of them frequently used. It is a great language, we should borrow more.